Baabda: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, informed US Congressman, Senator Darin Lahood, during their meeting this evening at Baabda Palace, that "Lebanon is awaiting the final Israeli response to the paper carried by Ambassador Thomas Barrack, who will visit Lebanon with Ms. Morgan Ortagus next Tuesday."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun denied that Lebanon had been officially informed of what was reported in the media about Israel's intention to establish a buffer zone in the south. He stressed to Senator Lahood, US Representative Steve Cohen, and the accompanying delegation, in the presence of US Ambassador Lisa Johnson, "the importance of renewing the mandate of the UNIFIL peacekeeping forces operating in the south," pointing out "the risk of ending its mission before the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south, the return of Lebanese prisoners, the complete deployment of the Lebanese Army to the internationally recognized borders, and the implementation of Resolution 1701 in all its provisions."
The President also explained to Senator Lahood the "extensive tasks entrusted to the Lebanese Army, which cover all Lebanese territory," noting that "the Army's missions are not limited to maintaining internal security, but also include combating terrorism and drug smuggling, protecting and monitoring the borders, alongside other security missions." He, thus, called on the United States to "continue to support the Army with the necessary equipment and supplies, in addition to financially supporting the soldiers, given the difficult economic conditions they are experiencing."
Aoun also reiterated the Lebanese government's commitment to implementing the required reforms in various fields, as well as combating corruption. Additionally, the Lebanese-Syrian relations featured high during the President's talks with Senator Lahood this evening, including the meetings held with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and several Lebanese and Syrian ministers and security officials, noting that "a Syrian delegation is expected to visit Lebanon soon to discuss common issues of concern, most prominently border control, the return of displaced Syrians, and other matters of mutual interest."
For his part, Senator Lahood congratulated President Aoun on the Lebanese government's decision to restrict the possession of weapons to the Lebanese state, emphasizing "the Trump administration's readiness to help Lebanon achieve lasting stability and accelerate its economic recovery."